Opening with a child's ascension to the throne of the Xie Empire, Su Tong's latest novel is a historical tour de force. Charting courtly life, he evokes many characters - the concubines, eunuchs, advisers and protectors - but it is the narration of the tale by the child emperor, a boy of few talents who is suddenly thrust into a position of power, which is most compelling. Constantly facing a threat from the two step-brothers who covet his position, and unsure of the intentions of his mysterious grandmother, Lady Huangfu, his rule is characterized by fear, incompetence and his own unchecked cruelty. Can the child ruler gain a greater understanding of human existence and compassion and stave off the curse that haunts him - or will his rule ultimately be recorded as one of slaughter, decadence and failure?
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